Applefest draws crowds despite wormy luck

Despite obstacles posed by man and nature, the 23rd annual Applefest attracted thousands of people to three days of festivities, according to organizers.

Applefest, which traditionally is a street fair held in the center of town, was moved this year to Algonquin Regional High School, and the annual parade was canceled because of Route 20 construction. And then, days before the weekend festivities, committee members decided to heed public health warnings regarding mosquito-borne illnesses and canceled two events many in the community had been looking forward to — a Saturday night barbecue and fireworks.

However, Applefest Committee chairwoman Michelle Gillespie said yesterday the relocation and the last-minute retooling of events apparently did not cause festivalgoers to reconsider attending.

Applefest organizers are still crunching the numbers, but the annual festival accomplished its goal to be an event that supports community organizations.

“This was really the year of change,” Ms. Gillespie said yesterday, following the three-day fair. “There was no denying there were some obstacles to get over … and we were uncertain if that would prevent people from coming.”

However, Ms. Gillespie said the parked vehicles overflowed onto nearby streets from lots at the high school, which hosted Applefest for the first time.

Applefest was largely sponsored by one donor, Lowes Variety and Meat Market, in conjunction with money raised through street banner advertising and other sources.

“There were some obstacles in the beginning and we regrouped rather quickly,” Ms. Gillespie said, adding that they used the advantage of Route 20 to advertise on message boards. “At first we were disappointed that the parade was canceled, but then we started to generate excitement with the fireworks instead. … We thought we had dotted our i’s and crossed our t’s, but those little mosquitoes …”

On Sept. 10, the Eastern equine encephalitis threat level for Northboro was raised to critical, and the state Department of Public Health advised that outdoor activities after 6 p.m. be moved inside or canceled. While no infected mosquitoes were found in Northboro, there have been infected mosquitoes found in neighboring Westboro, and one elderly Westboro resident died after contracting EEE.

“People … weren’t going to let the mosquitoes get the best of them,” Ms. Gillespie said.

Ms. Gillespie said Applefest originated as a street fair to celebrate businesses, and over the years has grown into an event sponsored by the local businesses that supports many local nonprofit organizations. For instance, organizations such as the Knights of Columbus raise money for scholarships, and the Northboro Food Pantry collects donations.

“We have the support of many community groups that participate, and for some, this is their one fundraiser,” Ms. Gillespie said. “We complete the circle — what Applefest is about is taking a captive audience that is looking to do something on a beautiful fall weekend and giving back to the community.”

The committee is already planning next year’s Applefest, considering ways to bring back the parade and whether the high school should become the new home of Applefest, as well as working out some of the parking glitches.

“Maybe we have some satellite parking areas and bring in some trolleys to shuttle people,” Ms. Gillespie said. “What we want to do is take what we saw this year and grow.”